Thunder's Perkins out six weeks with groin injury

From staff and wire reports

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins will miss six weeks after a medical procedure on his left groin.

Perkins originally was diagnosed with a strain but a visit to a specialist showed more serious damage.

"The thing we can't replace is his experience, he's an anchor defensively," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "Perk gives us a lot and he definitely will be missed."

The team said Tuesday that Perkins was injured during the third quarter on Feb. 20 against the Miami Heat, and he did not play Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. He has averaged 3.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 54 starts. Steven Adams, a rookie, has started all three games Perkins has missed this season.

"I think he's gonna do well," said Thunder forward Nick Collison of Adams. "I think the minutes will be good for Steven. I think the challenges for him are just to consistently be in the right place and hopefully be able to avoid the tick-tack fouls because we need him on the floor."

Oklahoma City has two open roster spots and could make a move to bring in a veteran center. The team also has flexibility within its roster to perhaps afford not doing that as well.

The Thunder said the procedure was successful. Oklahoma City's next game is Wednesday night at home against Cleveland.

Perkins has missed three games this season, two because of the death of his grandfather and then Sunday's game with the L.A. Clippers. Oklahoma City has lost all three of those games.